Articles tagged with Gardening
The U.S. Botanic Garden and American Public Gardens Association have awarded $378,000 to 28 public gardens in the US, including the Helping Hands Kitchen Garden at the University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville. The funds will help sustain urban agriculture programs and increase produce donations to local food banks.
New research at the 'Joe's Garden' site in Papua New Guinea reveals insights into past subsistence patterns, including the consumption of starchy plants like tree nuts and tubers. The findings confirm the long-term survival of these microfossils in an equatorial context.
Researchers found that home gardening was associated with higher levels of happiness comparable to other leisure activities. The study revealed that women and people with low incomes reported higher emotional well-being while gardening, suggesting a potential solution for equity in food action planning.
Research found that gardeners report better general health, psychological wellbeing, and physical activity levels compared to non-gardeners. Access to private gardens and outdoor spaces also showed significant benefits for mental health.
Research published in Ecopsychology found that urban gardeners showed significant improvements in body appreciation and pride compared to non-gardeners. The study also discovered that longer gardening sessions led to greater positive body image changes.
Researchers have discovered that evergreen tree species, such as holly and ivy, are more water-efficient under rising CO2 concentrations, potentially giving them a competitive edge over deciduous trees. This advantage is expected to be particularly pronounced in cooler climates like Ireland.
Trimbot uses cameras and 3D mapping technology to self-navigate gardens and perform precise tasks, including pruning roses and trimming bushes. The robot's advanced algorithms enable it to compare overgrown bushes with ideal shapes and pinpoint exact stem cuts for rose pruning.
A new study suggests that urban and home gardens, combined with nutrition education, can improve a range of health behaviors in low-income households. Participants reported increased healthy eating, physical activity, and reduced stress after participating in the gardening program.
Scientists at Newcastle University have identified limonene as the main component responsible for keeping tomato whiteflies away from plants. The study found that marigolds release limonene, a chemical that repels whiteflies without harming them.
A study of 800 Swedish women found that those with high levels of mental activities like reading, singing, and gardening were 46% less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. Women who were physically active also had a reduced risk of developing dementia, with a 52-56% lower risk compared to inactive participants.
A Swedish study of 800 women found that those with a high level of mental and physical activities had a lower risk of developing dementia. Mental activities included reading, playing instruments, singing in a choir, and gardening, while physical activity ranged from light walking to regular intense exercise.
Urban gardens in Australia achieve high yields comparable to commercial farms, yet face challenges due to higher material and labor costs. The study emphasizes the need for judicious management of inputs to ensure sustainability.
A new study of 563 participants found significant differences in skin cancer risk among outdoor professionals, with mountain guides facing the greatest threat. The research highlights the need for tailored prevention efforts based on individual profession and environmental factors.
A study published in HortTechnology has found that bad posture can increase loads by 50% on the lower back and double on the shoulders, leaving people susceptible to chronic injuries. The researchers used 3D optical tracking equipment to analyze the movement of gardeners undertaking routine tasks.
A study from Coventry University and the Royal Horticultural Society found that bad digging techniques can double the load on joints, increasing risk of osteoarthritis. Good gardening practice involves regular, repetitive motion to minimize back bends and large knee bends.
Research reveals plants can aid in reducing social and cognitive problems associated with space travel, suggesting they should be part of future mission design. The study's findings support the use of plants for both nutritional and psychological reasons to promote astronaut well-being.
A study by Newcastle University found that social prescribing of non-medical activities such as gardening, cooking clubs, and volunteering improves physical health and reduces anxiety and isolation. Link Workers played a crucial role in supporting participants throughout the program.
A study estimates the national incidence of facial fractures in adults 55 and older due to recreational activity, with a 45.3% increase between 2011 and 2015. The most common causes were bicycling, team sports, outdoor activities, and gardening, with men being more prone to injuries from these activities.
A study by the American Society for Horticultural Science found that gardening significantly improves physical and cognitive functions in older women. Participants showed reduced waist circumference, improved aerobic endurance, and enhanced hand dexterity. In contrast, those who did not garden experienced increased depression symptoms.
A study found that urban gardens in Chicago's African American, Chinese-origin, and Mexican-origin communities provide important ecosystem services. The researchers identified non-native crops and synthetic fertilizers as potential issues, but also noted the cultural significance of gardening for food security and community connection.
A comprehensive resource for willow cultivars has been compiled, featuring 854 cultivar epithets with accompanying information. The checklist is expected to serve a diverse constituency of users and promote the effective utilization of germplasm in horticulture and ecosystem services.
Researchers found elevated levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in NYC community garden soils, a concern due to air emissions. However, cultivating vegetables in beds may lower PAH concentrations, suggesting potential for reduction through gardening practices.
A study at the University of Gothenburg found that combining garden therapy and job coaching strengthens women's physical and mental health, improving their quality of life. The program included practical gardening, mental exercises, and social work to support women on long-term sick leave
A new NIH-funded program will assess the health effects of home gardening on 100 Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho families. The study aims to reduce health disparities suffered by Native Americans in nearly every measure of health.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that specific types of physical activity are associated with better sleep habits. These include aerobics/calisthenics, biking, gardening, golfing, running, weight-lifting, and yoga/Pilates. In contrast, household and childcare work were linked to insufficient sleep.
Researchers developed guidelines for managing food safety risks in school and community gardens. A pilot study shows that the guidelines lead to significant improvements in handwashing, water supply safety, and hazard assessment. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of simple yet crucial measures in reducing foodborne illness risk.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's SAWBO initiative uses animated educational videos to teach subsistence farmers how to construct raised planting beds and install drip irrigation systems. These techniques can increase agricultural productivity, conserve water, and even combat desertification.
A new study suggests that gardening can provide similar health benefits for younger adults as it does for older adults. Researchers found that gardening tasks were classified as moderate- to high-intensity physical activities, with digging being the most intense task.
A new study highlights the need for clear information on managing contaminants in urban soils to protect consumers and gardeners. Researchers found that gardeners generally recognize the importance of knowing a site's prior uses but lack expertise to determine accurately potential contaminants.
New research suggests that stink bug traps can actually increase damage to tomato fruits, with trap placement causing higher abundance of pests on the fruit. This phenomenon is known as 'trap spillover,' where pests rest on nearby vegetation before being captured by the trap.
A new study reveals that UK gardens with diverse global plant species support a range of pollinating insects, including threatened bumblebees. The research found that long-tongued bees prefer plants from the UK and Europe, while other species visit plants in proportion to flower availability.
A study by researchers in South Korea found that children engage in moderate- to high-intensity physical activities while gardening. The research informs the development of garden-based therapeutic interventions for youth and promotes healthy lifestyles.
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that DIY and gardening activities can decrease total sedentary time, reducing heart attack/stroke risk by 27-30%. These routine activities are as good as exercise for older adults who struggle to achieve recommended exercise intensity levels.
In Tacoma, Washington, community gardens have increased by 14 to 34 in three years despite initial concerns about contaminated soils. Experts like Kristen McIvor use soil testing and provide biosolid-based products to educate growers and reduce contamination fears.
Researchers analyzed soil lead in an urban garden plot and found highly variable concentrations across the 49x98 foot garden. A prominent hotspot was detected in the northwest corner, where a paint shop had been located, exceeding the EPA's 400 ppm threshold for safe levels.
A study by University of Utah researchers found that community gardeners have a significantly lower body mass index (BMI) and lower odds of being overweight or obese compared to their non-gardening neighbors. The study, which used unique administrative data, also found health benefits for spouses of married gardeners.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University have unearthed a diverse group of fossilized green lacewing insects, revealing at least 10 new species. The findings provide valuable insights into ancient life and the formation of modern natural communities.
A $250,000 NSF grant will support the largest indoor hydroponic gardening initiative for youths in Boston's history. The program, led by Professor Michael Barnett, will teach 600 students about science, nutrition, and economics through soil-free gardening technology.
In a recent study, migrant women in Central Illinois were found to be more resilient in controlling their environment through work and self-employment. They took on jobs such as childcare, cleaning, and cooking, which allowed them to adapt to economic crises.
A new study found that daily diet soft drink consumption may be associated with a higher risk of vascular events, including stroke and heart attack. In contrast, regular soft drink consumption and moderate intake of diet soft drinks do not appear to increase the risk of these events.
The new strawberry variety 'Roseberry' boasts attractive pink blooms and produces sweet, aromatic fruit all summer long. It is highly adaptable to hanging baskets and groundcover, making it an excellent addition to home gardens.
Research findings suggest that appealing programming benefits and financial support are key factors in attracting arboreta members. The study recommends providing discounts on educational programs and hands-on workshops to appeal to members, particularly women with higher education levels.
Research reveals community gardens have numerous benefits, including improved relationships, increased civic involvement, and enhanced neighborhood quality. Gardening daily for just 20 minutes has been shown to boost health ratings, while gardeners report higher rates of moderate exercise and better eating habits.
The project, 'Texas Grow! Eat! Go!', aims to test the impact of several Extension programs on behaviors related to childhood obesity. AgriLife Extension's Junior Master Gardener program will be a key factor in engaging children and their families in healthy food choices.
A new study suggests that gardening programs can boost vegetable intake among older adults, with no correlation between time spent gardening and consumption. The research found that gardeners were more likely to consume vegetables than non-gardeners, regardless of age or ability.
Older adults who garden report enhanced optimism, increased physical activity, and higher energy levels compared to nongardeners. Gardening also promotes healthier lifestyles through increased consumption of fruit and vegetables.
A recent study published by the American Heart Association found that consuming diet soda daily can increase the risk of vascular events by 61% compared to non-soda drinkers. High salt intake, independent of hypertension, was also linked to a doubled risk of ischemic strokes.
A study found that allotment gardeners, especially those over 60, exhibit increased levels of physical activity and better overall health compared to their non-gardening counterparts. The research also suggests that having an allotment can promote healthy aging and lifestyle habits.
The new southern highbush blueberry 'Blue Suede' produces attractive light-blue fruit and large flavorful berries. It features vigorous growth with deep-red fall foliage and a longer ripening period, allowing home gardeners to harvest over an extended period.
Researchers found hundreds of rhododendron species could be derived from hybrids, explaining rich biodiversity and ancient cross-breeding. Ancient pairings of wild plants led to development of new species over millions of years.
Researchers discovered damselfish selectively weed algal gardens to promote Polysiphonia growth, reducing competition from other algae. This 'gardening' behavior leads to a mutualistic association between the fish and Polysiphonia, showcasing cultivation mutualism in non-terrestrial habitats.
The interactive map shows a majority or complete loss of freezing zones in every state analyzed under high carbon pollution scenario. Early snowmelt and altered water cycles threaten irrigation supplies, cold-water stream life, and forest health.
The study found that 'RADrazz' rose had the best overall performance, while Trumpeter was the worst. Fifteen varieties of roses are recommended for low-maintenance growing in Texas, with Polyanthas and Hybrid Tea roses performing differently.
A recent study found that gardening can improve hand strength and self-esteem in older adults, as well as provide moderate physical activity. Researchers at Kansas State University assessed 15 areas of health in older gardeners compared to non-gardeners, revealing the benefits of gardening on hand function and psychological well-being.
A recent study by Kansas State University researchers found that gardening provides moderate-intensity physical activity, influencing whole-body bone mineral density and improving mental health. Gardening tasks change throughout the season, making it a great way for older adults to meet recommended physical activity levels.
Researchers have developed nematode-resistant varieties of bell peppers, such as Charleston Belle and Carolina Wonder, which can be used as viable alternatives to methyl bromide for managing southern root-knot nematode. These varieties are stable in sub-tropical climates and can increase the availability of parasite-resistant vegetables.
The Prince of Wales expresses deep concern over global warming and its devastating impact on communities worldwide. He emphasizes the need to value tropical rainforests as a vital global public utility to mitigate climate change.
A recent study found that hands-on gardening experiences significantly improve children's environmental attitudes and locus of control. Researchers discovered that girls and Caucasians benefited most from the gardening curriculum, highlighting the need for targeted programs to address the needs of diverse groups.
A gardener's death due to inhaling fungal spores from dead plant material has highlighted the risk of aspergillosis. The case report suggests that prompt treatment with an appropriate antifungal agent is vital in such cases.
A survey of Minnesota gardeners found that 78% preferred informal advice from friends and neighbors over university extension services. University information was viewed as higher quality but lacked convenient online access, posing a challenge to universities and arboreta.